Samantha Mayhew, a 33-year-old Indiana woman, faces involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of Kiersten Moore following a violent altercation at a rural bonfire on Private Road 525 West early Saturday morning. Witnesses described Mayhew as the aggressor, who questioned Moore about her child’s custody before grabbing her hoodie, leading both to fall near rocks; she may have applied a chokehold during the fight.
Incident Details
The brawl broke out around 12:30 a.m., with Moore found unconscious by deputies—no visible injuries noted initially—and later pronounced dead at a hospital despite lacking obvious trauma. Mayhew, spotted walking nearby with a bloodied face, cheek laceration, alcohol odor, and erratic demeanor, made incriminating statements like “they were trying to get her for that girl not breathing,” “the b— started it,” and “I did this.” Witnesses said she was heavily intoxicated on alcohol and possibly other substances, and was pulled off Moore by others.
Legal Proceedings
Mayhew, held on $30,000 bond at Owen County Security Center, had her initial court appearance Monday; her next hearing is April 16. An autopsy occurred Tuesday, but cause of death awaits confirmation; the sheriff urged avoiding speculation out of respect for Moore’s family.
Investigation Notes
Owen County Sheriff’s Office responded to fight reports, noting Mayhew’s “abusive attitude.” The prosecutor reviewed facts, with charges filed swiftly post-arrest.
